General Insurance Agents: missions, skills, training, salary and career development

In recent years, technological advances and regulatory changes have profoundly transformed the insurance sector. The growing importance of digitalisation and personalised services has led to the emergence of the General Insurance Agent profession. This professional plays a central role in developing and managing a portfolio of customers, while ensuring a close and trusting relationship in an increasingly digital environment.

Description of the job of General Insurance Agent

The General Insurance Agent is a professional appointed by an insurance company to represent it in a given geographical area. They act like brokers, marketing and managing insurance policies. Unlike insurance brokers, who work with several insurance companies, general agents are tied to a specific insurance company.

The General Insurance Agent handles different types of contracts (car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, supplementary health insurance, etc.) for a clientele made up of private individuals and professionals. As a true company director, they manage their customer portfolio, develop their business and provide personalised follow-up for policyholders.

What is the role and mission of the General Insurance Agent?

Prospecting and business development

General Insurance Agents canvass for new customers and build loyalty among existing customers in order to expand their insurance portfolios. They develop effective sales strategies to increase their customer base and meet the needs of the market.

Underwriting and contract management

They analyse customers' needs and underwrite the most appropriate insurance policies. General Insurance Agents manage contracts throughout their lifetime, including any amendments or cancellations required.

Claims management

In the event of a claim, the agent assists customers in declaring and following up claims until the compensation is paid. They ensure that claims are dealt with quickly and fairly.

Advice and customer relations

General Insurance Agents advise their customers on the insurance products best suited to their specific needs. They maintain a relationship of trust with their customers by offering high-quality after-sales service and being available to answer their questions and concerns.

Tools and technologies used by General Insurance Agents

Customer portfolio management software

General agents use specialised software to manage their customer portfolios, keeping track of current contracts and renewal deadlines. These tools also facilitate administrative management and customer relations.

Insurance comparators

Online insurance comparators are essential tools for tied agents. They enable them to quickly compare the various offers on the market and identify the best cover for their customers.

What skills are needed to be a good General Insurance Agent?

Professional skills:

• In-depth knowledge of insurance products: motor, home, health, life,1 etc.
• Mastery of sales and negotiation techniques.
• Ability to manage a brokerage firm or insurance agency independently.

Personal skills:

• Good interpersonal skills and customer service skills.
• Organised and meticulous in managing files and claims.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to develop a client portfolio.

What are the current challenges facing General Insurance Agents?

Digitalisation and new technologies

• Integration of digital tools for contract management and customer relations.
• Use of online insurance comparators to remain competitive.

Cyber security

• Protecting customer data against cyber threats.
• Implementation of robust cyber security strategies.

Regulatory developments

• Compliance with current regulations, in particular those imposed by the ACPR (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution) and the FFSA (Fédération Française de l'Assurance).
• Adaptation to new requirements in terms of professional civil liability and financial guarantees.

How do I become a General Insurance Agent?

Education and training

To become a General Insurance Agent, it is advisable to study between 2 and 5 years' higher education in insurance, banking, finance or business. Here are a few possible courses:

• Bac+2: BTS Insurance, DUT Legal Careers.
• Bac+3: Professional degree in Insurance, Banking and Finance.
• Bac+5: Master's degree in Insurance, Wealth Management or Risk Management.

EM Normandie offers courses tailored to this profession, in particular with the Master in Management and its specialisation in Master 2 in Asset Management, Risk Control and Compliance. This specialisation provides the necessary skills in asset management, insurance and finance, while offering a practical and theoretical approach to the profession of General Insurance Agent.

Professional certifications such as the ORIAS (Organisme pour le registre des intermédiaires en assurance) professional card are also required.

Professional experience

Previous experience in marketing insurance products or handling claims is crucial. Internships and work-study schemes are effective ways of gaining this experience.

What are the career prospects for a General Insurance Agent?

• Progression to management positions in insurance companies.
• Opportunities in brokerage firms or as an independent insurance broker.
• Possibility of becoming an asset management consultant or expert.

What does a General Insurance Agent earn?

The salary of a General Insurance Agent varies according to experience, the size of the client portfolio and the region:

• Beginner: Gross monthly salary (approx.): €2,000 - €2,500
• 2-5 years' experience: Gross monthly salary (approx.): €3,000 - €4,000
• 5+ years' experience: Gross monthly salary (approx.): €5,000 and more

In what field does a General Insurance Agent work?

General Insurance Agents can work for:

• Insurance companies: such as Gan Assurances, Groupama, etc.
• Mutual insurers and provident institutions.
• Insurance brokerage firms.
• As aself-employed person with their own insurance firm.

In summary

The General Insurance Agent profession is essential for managing insurance contracts and customer relations. Versatile and autonomous, the General Insurance Agent plays a key role in the development and loyalty of the customer portfolio. This profession offers interesting career prospects, with opportunities for advancement to management positions or expert consultancy. The General Insurance Agent is an essential player in the insurance sector, responding to customer needs while keeping pace with technological and regulatory developments.